Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent serious complications. Keeping the feet clean by washing them daily with mild soap and warm water helps reduce the risk of infections. Thoroughly drying the feet, especially between the toes, prevents excess moisture that can lead to fungal infections. Moisturizing dry skin is important to prevent cracks that may allow bacteria to enter. Regularly inspecting the feet for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color can help detect problems early. Practicing healthy foot habits, such as wearing well-fitted shoes and avoiding walking barefoot, reduces the risk of injuries. Poor circulation and nerve damage associated with diabetes make foot care a priority. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves, especially those in the feet, toes, and ankles. Many people first notice numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, which can become more intense at night. Some patients may feel sudden, sharp pains or an electric shock-like sensation in their feet. As diabetic peripheral neuropathy progresses, loss of balance and coordination may also occur due to weakened ankle muscles and decreased sensation. This can lead to an unstable gait that increases the risk of falls. Changes in foot structure, such as hammertoes, may develop as nerve damage affects muscle function. One significant concern is the inability to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure points, which can result in unnoticed wounds that may become infected. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide foot care strategies, and recommend treatment to help prevent complications like foot ulcers and deformities. If your feet and toes feel numb, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if peripheral neuropathy is causing the problem.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The toe box of a shoe plays a significant role in foot health by determining how much space the toes have to move naturally. When a shoe's toe box is too narrow or short, it can lead to various foot problems, including blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Over time, shoes with a tight toe box may contribute to misaligned toes, inflamed nerves, and pain in the ball of the foot. People who frequently experience discomfort in the toes while wearing shoes may have a foot shape that requires a wider or deeper toe box. Shoes with a design that follows the natural contours of the foot can help reduce pressure points and prevent long-term complications like bunions. High heels and narrow dress shoes often force the toes into an unnatural position, increasing the risk of foot pain and deformities. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, identify any issues related to improper footwear, and recommend shoes that provide better support. If you have foot pain connected to improper footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The proper running foot strike is essential for preventing injuries and improving performance. While running, the anatomy of the foot plays a key role in how the body absorbs impact. There are several types of foot strikes, each affecting the body differently. A heel strike occurs when the heel hits the ground first, often seen in runners with a longer stride or those who overstride. A midfoot strike is when the middle of the foot lands first, offering a more natural and efficient impact absorption. The forefoot strike involves landing on the balls of the feet, which is common in sprinters and fast runners. A flat foot strike is when the entire sole of the foot touches the ground at once, which can place excess strain on the lower limbs. Lastly, a toe strike is when only the toes touch the ground first, providing more propulsion but sometimes leading to calf strain. If you enjoy running and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries, and guide you on correct running techniques.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.